Journalism of Courage
In the city for a workshop on innovative business techniques,TRIZ masters
Boris Zlotin and Alla Zusman talk about inventive problem solving
When it comes to out-of-box thinking and alternate solutions,the world is full of theories and methodologies intent on changing perspectives. History is replete with theorists and psychologists who have tried to get to the bottom of the human innovation process. But for Boris Zlotin and Alla Zusman,who have more than two decades of experience in alternate thinking,innovation is a lot more than just a result of out of box thinking processes. Known for their such beliefs and thinking processes,Zlotin and Zusmana follow what is called the ‘TRIZ’ way of problem solving. TRIZ (in Russian,Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch),is a problem solving,analysis and forecasting tool derived from the study of patterns of invention in the global patent literature which was invented by mechanical engineer Genrich Altshuller,beginning in the year 1946. Following the same theory,these two Russian innovators have been spreading the idea of TRIZ world over. For the same purpose they were in the city to conduct a workshop on Innovation for Entrepreneurs through I-TRIZ at the Foundation for Liberal and Management Education (FLAME) campus. Addressing a lecture on the philosophy,the two innovators talked about the way creativity can be propagated and the TRIZ methodology in business processes.
They also believed that TRIZ could help in education especially with kids. Says Boris Zlotin,who with his 35 years of experience is considered the foremost theorist and TRIZ scientist,Why this can be used with kids is because it enables them to think beyond what is taught in the academia; to get solutions which are new and practical. We have seen in all these years that children are so quick and smart when practical problems are posed to them.
While both the thinkers work with the Ideation International Inc,they have seen quite a few children obtain patents for their innovative solutions. I think what is important here is that subjects which make students think should be re-introduced into the curriculum,like logic. These are important life skills, says Zusman. She also feels that while patents and intellectual rights are under a lot of debate,they are nevertheless needed,since patents applaud the effort made by an individual and benefits a lot of people.
